Problem starting 2002 GT

The alternator? Pft.

It's got something to do with the fuel pressure. I've studied my FP gauge during idle, WOT, hot temps, cold temps, etc, and noticed that it's the highest when the engine is a full operating temp and it's hot as hell outside, or I'm just turning the ignition on.

My theory would be that since the PCM boosts the fuel pressure to the rails to prevent boiling in extreme temperatures, that when you combine 2 scenarios in which the PCM would normally boost the FP, it's boosting too much. If you look at my site, under the page where I have the picture of the pillar pod, you can see that my fuel pressure was at nearly 50. This is NA, with the vehicle shutoff, at full operating temperature on a summer day in AZ.

I would think perhaps there's a flaw in the design of the PCM in which the PCM takes a second to realize that the fuel pressure in the rails is too high, and it needs to drop it a little to get the car going. Granted this is purely theoretical, and I have no basis in which to make this theory, but it makes sense to me, so I'm happy.

(My '04 does it sometimes too.)

happens on my 01 GT if I hit the gas pedal before turning the key. (old carbed car habit) (just like reaching for a stick when in a column shifted car)

mine has done this twice. both times were fairly cold actually. once was yesterday getting gas about one mile from my house so the car was not warm yet.

Both times the car started for a split second, then died. the engine is turning over so I can't see how it could be the starter unless it is just turnign over weaker than normal?

I have no idea why the alt could prevent a car from starting.

I don't haver any real good input other than the two rout causes to me would be either fuel or ignition obvioulsy. the fuel pump is electric so that seems odd. now electroic parts can have thermal intermitant failures. I had a module do that on my chevelle with HEI ignition. if it were hot it would hard start.

I know the car did not do this new so something is causing it. I just happens so intermitant that it is very hard to troubleshoot.

It hasn't happened to me in a long time, but it does occasionally come back. I turn the key to 'ON', put my seatbelt on and then start it. I think it's a fuel related issue as the gas is vaporizing in the rails because of the heat. There really is no fix to it that I've found as this has been brought up numerous times.

I bought my car with 5300 miles on it..she now has 48k and has done it its entire life

i talked to my Ford Mechanic (who i have a very good relationship with) and he told me that it was partly a design issue

the issue has to do with the firing order of the clyinders. The car will not start when the cylinders are in the incorrect firing order and will turn over until they get to the correct position. It happens intermiddently on my car but never been an issue

Mine did something similar. it was the IAC.